Tomorrow's Love

[Justin Silverblade]

“What are you looking at, Ryan?”

 

Some moments of life catch us off guard; hints of the wind whispering in the grass on a cool summer’s day, or the single note of an old, decrepit piano that seems for once in tune. Moments that enlightens us of life’s treasures. All the gold in all the world can not buy these moments, as lamentable as it is, for they can not be bought. They are given perhaps, or maybe simply sought, but no matter how they arrive in our daily lives they are indeed pieces of purity.

 

Such wisdom as written above was I treated to one late afternoon, as my friends and I had gathered around in my living room. We were enjoying an evening of laughter and joking which is an eventful pastime of ours. It is difficult to place just when and where, or how to describe the realization passed by my eyes. I would suppose, if I had to, it would have been just after a side splitting rendition of cartoonistics by one of my good friends. It was something we were well accustomed to, thankfully, else the expression “died laughing” may have become painfully apparent. While everyone rejoiced and glowed in the joke’s aftermath, I took a moment to survey the crowd; my second family. My over-dramatic serenity passed over each person, as I did many times before. My smile crept towards the thoughts of everyone, each person had their own beauties, when suddenly an image tranquilly smiled right back.

 

As all things of purity should be, my painting was draped in gold; sunlight from the open window poured upon two of my friends. His one hand around her shoulders, and his other clasped in her’s. They, king and queen, relaxed in that single moment on a cape of royal red, my couch. Calmed after a good laugh, they seemed to be in a kind of post-bliss, ignorant of their own passions. In that time their eyes, their windows to the soul, opened for me and I looked inward. They were unaware of my theft of the moment, as I let drift my own thought in theirs, and for that I am thankful. If they had known of my delve, it would have spoiled it; ignorance can bring about the most wholesome of colours.

 

“What are you looking at, Ryan?”

 

Fragments of thought only came to mind, for I was too overwhelmed to dare put explanation or interpretation to my perception. It was so serene now, so calm. Two friends, locked arm in arm, eye to eye. Spirit in spirit. My two friends – oh what splendor! How can one explain seeing this save to say that they are overjoyed? They had been enraptured in each other for endless minutes, hours, days, months. I could only grin as I thought of that bond strengthening, over months, years, lifetimes. They were so young in their relationship, life was so young at their fingertips. And now I had the distinct pleasure and honour of sitting across from the two of them, and could only think of what would be. I could only hope that I would be there to see it again, as I saw it now.

 

But I knew that it would be. For sitting there, on my couch, was forever. It existed as strongly and blissfully as the heavens above do, and as firmly and certainly as the earth below does. So let the church bells toll, and the blue birds sing! Lay me down to rest, for I needed to catch my breath. It is impossible to define and diffuse that passion into words, and I will run of air trying – for it is a worthy cause. One person tried it before, I think, and though I know not their name, I did and will continue to sing their praise; for they stopped with one word: Love.

 

So they asked me, the question I still had not answered: What are you looking at? I thought of all I stared at: The compassion in their eyes, the devotion in their hearts. The unity in their hands, the wisdom in their minds. The passion in their lips, the love in their souls. It was lasting; everlasting, and with time could not be degraded. From the soil of their bed and the toil of their work would grow only beautiful things. And at that moment, I could see those flowers. Breathtaking.

 

“Ryan?”

 

I couldn’t wait to see form in reality what had been in their hearts, what I had seen in the moment’s picture. I was completely unprepared to realize the truths of what is and what would be. But as unprepared as I was, I was indescribably happy to have seen it. Such a treasure! Silver and gold can not compare to such a passion. Even memories themselves, while grand, can not compare to catching a glance at living sentiment. Living spirit.

 

As they sat, the strangeness of my quiet faded out their open eyes. When I did not speak (for I would not dare allow speech to detract my attention from what was important), their curiosity began to cloud over the moment. I could merely find myself trying to stretch the moment, revel in its glory for as long as possible. Finally and inevitably it transformed from a moment to a memory, as all things do. My friends: as they were and as they would be. John and Laura, Lover and Beloved, Lord and Lady, Husband and Wife.

 

There was my answer, ringing clear as day: Husband and Wife.

 

“Tomorrow.”

 

Hearing my own voice finalized the insight and snapped me back to reality. I smiled, satisfied with my answer. That was exactly it. It was like the title to a work of art; not necessary, but when carefully considered added something to the art itself. For that brief moment, I had been treated to a gaze upon the essence of tomorrow’s love.

 

“I was looking at tomorrow.”

 

 

~~~

 

Comments appreciated - I'd like to give this to a couple of friends of mine, but would like to hear a few of your thoughts first. Hope you enjoyed it!

- Justin

[Merelas]

Ah... such a longwinded comment this will be

 

I must, I feel, bring to light the fact that, to even realize the innocence-no, the beauty of these moments shows great wisdom and insight. Further, the fact that you could revel in this vision (and vision it was, for though others could see it, I take it from your tale that you were the only one to realize the moment for what it was) and not be overcome by jealousy, doubt, or regret in any form, but to be truly happy for your friends, shows character.

 

On top of the wisdom, insight, and character you have shown yourself to posess through this tale, you have explained the moment with beauty. I will not go so far as to say that you have done so with completeness, because I highly doubt that anyone will ever be able to completely describe a moment such as that, or even the feeling of love itself, let alone to witness it in a friend.

 

Justin Silverblade, you show much talent as a writer-- already you have a strong command over the English Language, and there's still time for improvement. Not only have you excelled today, but you show much promise for tomorrow.